The Midlands has always been a hotbed for business success. The heritage of Jaguar, Cadbury, Boots, Aston Martin, Marston’s Brewery and Next are testament to that.
Leading international brands such as HSBC have taken up prominent central sites in Birmingham, a city that’s been crowned the UK’s regional start-up capital for seven years in a row.
Whether you’re a sole trader or you employ hundreds, there’ll invariably come a time when you need extra support.
Perhaps you need more clients, an injection of cash, guidance on trading internationally or simply to get tailored support on how to reach your goals.
With that in mind, here are seven incredible organisations among the many out there who could help you take your Midlands business to the next level.
- Business Growth West Midlands
Whether you’re a start-up or an established business looking to grow, Business Growth West Midlands works with companies of all sizes to help you kick things off or scale things up.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered through the West Midlands Combined Authority, BGWM’s expert advisors give you personalised support with strategy and growth.
Having worked with them to promote their work and received support from a previous incarnation, we can vouch for how they will advise you on opportunities such as grants you may be eligible for, recommend ways to become Net Zero and help you make valuable connections through regular networking events.
- Black Country Chamber of Commerce
Becoming a member of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce brings multiple benefits for SMEs based in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell and the surrounding areas.
Their packed networking and events programme creates significant new business opportunities for members, while their workshops and training sessions provide valuable insight into key business growth issues. For companies looking to expand abroad, their International Trade team can support you.
As a Chamber award winner and partner for their PR work as well as a long-term Chamber member we can recommend the new dimensions they can add to your business.
- High Value Manufacturing Catapult
Developing a new product and need to know if it’s viable? The High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC) is an innovation hub made up of seven world-class research centres across the UK.
The Catapult helps over 5,000 businesses each year to test, trial and de-risk new products, processes or services which can make their offering more competitive.
Two of the centres are based in the Midlands; the WMG at the University of Warwick, and the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry.
- BCRS Business Loans
Small businesses across the West Midlands who need to secure financing to grow, pay debts or recover from losses can apply for business loans of up to £250,000 from Wolverhampton-based community lenders BCRS Business Loans.
You can submit an initial application within minutes and get a response in just two days. If approved, your loan could be with you in a matter of weeks.
Check out their inspiring funding stories for some great examples of the businesses they’ve helped. Again, we work with them so we know the difference they make.
- Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
For businesses across the city looking to scale up, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce provides a wealth of support.
Membership gives you access to well-attended networking events, important trade fairs, support from international trade experts and a host of opportunities to get your products or services out there – including social media, blog posts and Chamber Magazine features.
We are long term members and know the value they add, both centrally and through their local chambers for Lichfield, Cannock, Tamworth and many other local areas.
- UKSE Business Funding & Workspace
If your business could benefit from investment, UKSE should be your first port of call.
Whether you’re growing a business, starting a business or buying a business, UKSE supports companies who want to make a positive impact on their community – especially in terms of sustainability and green energy.
Investment options include equity finance with flexible terms, and unsecured business loans of up to £200,000 with discounted rates for environmentally friendly projects. We help promote their work in the West Midlands and know well their focus on making a difference.
- The Marches Growth Hub
Businesses in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Telford & Wrekin can get advice, support and funding through The Marches Growth Hub.
Run by the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, the Growth Hub runs free start-up programmes, helps you access any available business grant schemes, provides business mentors to find solutions to common challenges, and runs insightful events.
They’re particularly knowledgeable about apprenticeship schemes and traineeships for those looking to take on new staff.
These are just a selection of the organisations out there ready to help your business. Find out for yourself how much support is available to take the next step in your journey.
Whatever stage you’re at in your growth journey, connecting with your target audiences through persuasive content and PR can put your business on the map. Osborn works with Midlands businesses like yours to get you the recognition you deserve, whether it’s through award applications, PR campaigns or compelling social content – drop us a line to book in a chat.